Practical A–Z
Entry & Visa
EU Citizens, Swiss & Austrians
Good news: You do not need a visa for South Africa as a tourist. Upon entry, you will receive a stamp for up to 90 days. You need:
- Passport: Valid for at least 30 days beyond the return date, with at least two blank pages.
- Return ticket: Proof of departure.
- Yellow fever vaccination: Only required if entering from a yellow fever area (not for direct flights from Germany).
Important: If traveling with children, you need the international birth certificate (certified) — South Africa strictly controls minor travelers to prevent child abduction.
Safety
Safety is the topic that concerns many Cape Town newcomers the most — and it deserves an honest answer. Cape Town has high crime rates, but the violence is almost exclusively concentrated in certain areas (gang-related crime in the Cape Flats), which tourists do not visit. In tourist areas, Cape Town is comparably safe to any other major city — with common sense.
Basic Rules
- Use Uber: Always use Uber at night instead of walking, especially in Long Street and surrounding areas.
- Don't show valuables: Don't flaunt expensive cameras, jewelry, and smartphones. Only bring what you need to the beach.
- Car: Don't leave anything in the car — even an empty bag can mean a broken window. Keep windows closed in the city.
- ATMs: Withdraw money only in enclosed spaces (supermarkets, malls), never at freestanding ATMs on the street.
- Township visits: Only with a local guide, not alone. Most township tours are safe and an enriching experience.
- Hiking: Don't hike Table Mountain or Lion's Head alone — go in groups of at least three people or with a guide.
| Risk | Rating | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Pickpocketing | Medium | Normal city precautions, especially Long Street |
| Car break-ins | Medium | Don't leave anything in the car, use guarded parking |
| Violent crime (tourist) | Low | Rare in tourist areas |
| Road traffic | Medium | Left-hand traffic, minibus taxis drive aggressively |
Achtung
Don't pick up hitchhikers, don't engage in "sightseeing offers" from strangers on the street, and don't walk alone through dark streets at night — the same rules as in any major city. Cape Town is not a dangerous place for tourists as long as you exercise basic caution.
Internet, Electricity & Communication
Mobile & Internet
EU roaming does NOT apply in South Africa! Buy a local SIM card at the airport or in a Vodacom / MTN shop:
- Vodacom: Largest network, best coverage. Tourist SIM with 10 GB for about 150 ZAR (€7.50).
- MTN: Similarly good coverage, affordable data packages.
Wi-Fi is available almost everywhere in hotels, cafes, and restaurants and is usually fast. Cape Town has a modern fiber-optic network in most districts.
Electricity & Load Shedding
South Africa uses 230V with type M/N sockets (three-pin, round — unique to South Africa!). You need a special adapter — the universal travel adapter often doesn't have a South African plug. Hotels usually have adapters upon request.
Load Shedding: South Africa's energy provider Eskom schedules power outages when the grid is overloaded. The outages have been significantly reduced recently but can still occur. Hotels and restaurants usually have generators — you will hardly notice it. The EskomSePush app shows the current load-shedding status and schedule for your area.
Money & Payment
- Currency: South African Rand (ZAR). €1 ≈ 20–22 ZAR.
- Credit cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere — even at many market stalls. Amex less so.
- ATMs: Available everywhere. ONLY withdraw in enclosed spaces (supermarkets, malls)!
- Tips: 10–15% in restaurants (often not included), 10–20 ZAR for parking attendants, 20–50 ZAR for housekeeping per day. Tipping is an important income contribution — please be generous.
Packing List & Practical Tips
Clothing — Layers are Key
- Layering system: Cape Town's weather is unpredictable — morning fog, 28°C at noon, cooler wind in the evening. Light T-shirt + light jacket + windbreaker is the formula.
- Swimwear: Essential, even in winter — there's always a beach warm enough (False Bay).
- Hiking boots: Essential for Table Mountain, Lion's Head, and Cape Peninsula. Proper tread, ankle-high.
- Windbreaker: The Cape Doctor (southeast wind) can blow fiercely — a windproof jacket is essential.
- Elegant clothing: For fine dining and wine-tasting events — Cape Town has a relaxed yet stylish dress code.
Other
- Sunscreen SPF 50: The UV radiation at the Cape is brutal — South Africa has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world. Even on cloudy days!
- Plug adapter: Type M/N (South African, three-pin round). NOT included in standard universal adapters — buy separately or ask at the hotel.
- Binoculars: For whale watching, penguins, and birds — absolutely worth it.
- Travel pharmacy: Standard medications, anti-diarrhea medication, ibuprofen. Pharmacies (Dis-Chem, Clicks) are well-stocked and cheaper than in Germany.
Dos & Don'ts
- Tip generously: Tipping is culturally important in South Africa and a significant part of the income for many service providers.
- Show respect: The history of apartheid is still fresh. Listen, ask respectfully, and avoid paternalistic comments.
- Save water: Cape Town has experienced severe droughts in recent years. Take short showers, don't waste water.
- Support local businesses: Craft markets, township tours with local guides, independent restaurants — your money has the greatest impact here.
Tipp
The best souvenir from Cape Town: A bottle of Pinotage or Chenin Blanc from a winery you visited. Or handmade ceramics and textiles from the Watershed Market at the Waterfront — high-quality local art at fair prices.
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